VIDEO: Prison workers protest cuts at Capitol

Correctional facility workers and lawmakers rallied Tuesday at the Capitol to protest the closing of four correctional facilities later this year.

Last July, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced four facilities would close as part of the state’s plan to consolidate its prison system. The Butler Correctional Facility in Red Creek, Wayne County and Monterey Shock Incarceration Correctional Facility in Orange, Schuyler County - which employs about 700 workers - are two of the facilities slated to close July 26, Gannett's Ashley Hupfl reports.

“Monterey is in my district, but I’m here today to support all the four facilities that are slated to be closed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo,” Sen. Tom O’Mara, R-Big Flats, Chemung County, said at the rally. “This governor talks about saving the property taxpayers; nothing provides greater support in our communities where I come from than the Monterey work crews that go out and provide vital services across the community.”

Monterey Shock was New York’s first shock facility started by former Gov. Mario Cuomo and is currently one of three shock facilities in the state. The facility celebrated its 25th anniversary last year.

The state Correctional Officers Police Benevolent Association, the union, provided transportation for members to the Capitol where about 200 NYSCOPBA members rallied.

“I have 2,700 active and retired members who advise me every single day and that is the people, whether it’s the executive branch or the Legislature, should be listening to,” said Donn Rowe, president of NYSCOPBA. “Governor Cuomo, the state Legislature have to remember one thing and one thing only: public safety is the number one priority of government.”

The state’s prison population has fallen from a peak of 72,600 in 1999 to about 54,200 – the lowest level in more than two decades and due in part to loosened laws for drug crimes. The state has closed nine prisons in recent years and has 58 facilities.

Cuomo has defended the closures, saying it saves the state money and that prisons shouldn’t be kept open solely for the jobs.

Two other medium-security facilities are slated to close in July: Chateaugay Correctional Facility in Franklin County and Mt. McGregor Correctional Facility in Saratoga County.